World Marathon Major
Boston Marathon
Boston is the marathon that runners earn. Unlike the other Majors, you cannot enter a lottery — you have to run a qualifying time. That barrier is what makes the Boston start line one of the most emotional places in running.
Photo by Brett Wharton on Unsplash
- Distance: 42.2 km marathon.
- When: Third Monday in April (Patriots' Day).
- Entry: Qualification required — times vary by age and gender.
- Course: Point-to-point from Hopkinton to Boylston Street in downtown Boston.
- Famous feature: Heartbreak Hill — a series of climbs between kilometres 26 and 33.
History
The one that started it all
The Boston Marathon has been held every year since 1897, making it the world's oldest annual marathon. It was inspired by the marathon at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. What began as a small local race has grown into the most prestigious marathon on the planet, with roughly 30,000 runners each year.
The race runs on Patriots' Day, a Massachusetts state holiday, which means the entire city comes out to support.
The Route
Hopkinton to Boylston Street
The course is a point-to-point route that starts in the small town of Hopkinton and finishes on Boylston Street in downtown Boston. Key features:
- Net downhill — the course drops roughly 140 m overall, but do not be fooled.
- Newton Hills — a series of four hills between kilometres 26 and 33, culminating in Heartbreak Hill.
- The final 10K — after Heartbreak Hill, the course drops back into the city. The crowd support through Brookline and into Boston is deafening.
The net downhill profile tempts runners to go out too fast. The Newton Hills punish that mistake. Run the first half conservatively.
Qualifying
How to qualify
Boston requires a qualifying time (BQ) run at a certified marathon. The standards vary by age and gender. For the general 18–34 age group:
- Men: 3:00:00
- Women: 3:30:00
Times get more generous with age. Even with a qualifying time, entry is not guaranteed — if more runners qualify than there are spots, the fastest qualifiers get priority. Most years, you need to beat the standard by 5+ minutes to be safe.
There is also a charity programme for runners who want guaranteed entry in exchange for fundraising.
Beginner Advice
Tips for aspiring Boston runners
- Set a BQ as a long-term goal. For most new runners, this is a multi-year journey — and that is perfectly fine.
- Choose your qualifying race carefully. Flat, fast courses with good weather give you the best chance.
- Train for hills. Even if your qualifier is flat, Boston is not.
- Do not go out too fast on race day. Boston's downhill start and massive crowds tempt everyone to bank time. Resist.
- Savour the experience. The crowd at Wellesley College, the roar at Heartbreak Hill, the turn onto Boylston — there is nothing like it in running.
Your next step
Chase your BQ
A Boston Qualifier (BQ) is one of the most meaningful goals in running. Start with consistency and build from there.